Two Firms Fined After Racking Collapse Killed Two Workers

Brief Summary

Two workers died when an industrial racking system collapsed during testing at an industrial estate in West Yorkshire. HSE found serious failures in risk assessment and safe systems of work, and both companies were fined for breaching duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

What Was The Incident?

On 29 October 2020, an industrial racking system was being tested and loaded with test weights, some up to two tonnes, at Castefields Industrial Estate in Bingley. The men were working from a mobile elevating work platform next to the racking. As the structure was being loaded, it began to collapse, struck the MEWP, and both men were inside and sustained fatal injuries.

What Was The Outcome?

Space Productiv Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £97,500 and ordered to pay £17,377 in costs at Leeds Crown Court on 11 February 2026. Collins Site Services Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £10,292 in costs at Leeds Crown Court on 11 February 2026.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Plan and risk assess testing activities properly. HSE concluded there were serious failures to adequately assess risks arising from the work being undertaken, showing that testing still needs full risk assessment before people start work.

Use safe systems of work that prevent exposure to danger. HSE found the planned and implemented systems of work were unsafe, including workers being positioned within the collapse zone during racking testing.

Control access so workers stay out of danger zones. Where risks cannot be eliminated, workers must be kept out of areas where serious injury or death could occur if equipment fails.

Coordinate responsibilities between site and contractor duties. Both firms were found guilty of duty failures, highlighting the need for clear arrangements and shared understanding of risks and controls for work carried out on site.

Verify that controls work for the exact task and configuration. The incident occurred during loading with large test weights, so risk controls must reflect the real conditions of the task, including where people are positioned while loading and testing equipment.

HSE Prosecution Link